Fireworks - The Spectrum Magazine - Redwood City's Monthly ...

Fireworks
to return on the 4th in
{"As I Was Saying..."
La Victoria:
It’s all about
The SAUCE

The Spectrum.FEB.2012
Table of Contents
Inside The Spectrum – 4
RCSD Corner – 5
“As I Was Saying...” – 6
Get ‘Sauced’ at La Victoria – 7
Community Interest – 10
Cultural Events – 11
‘Music of Our Times’
and Finding Love at Woodside
Terrace – 14
Shop Redwood City – 18
Welcome to the February 2012 printed edition of The Spectrum Magazine.
Our cover story this month is twofold. We had originally wanted to present a business profile
of the Woodside Terrace facility on Woodside Road, but when contributing writer Julie McCoy
started to do her story research, she met Joe Lavoie and Kathleen “Kay” Knauf-Lavoie, who
were to celebrate their first Valentine’s Day as a married couple. Needless to say, the focus of
the article changed and now includes their love story. Enjoy the journey.
Once again this month, we bring you our regular features on senior activities, items of
community interest, cultural and entertainment events, insurance tips from Hector Flamenco,
information from the Redwood City School District and the popular feature “A Minute With.”
We also have an advertising section highlighting businesses in the Main Street area, tips on
where to shop locally for Valentine’s Day and a great business profile of La Victoria on Main Street.
In his column, “As I Was Saying…,” publisher Steve Penna writes about the restoration of
a popular parking meter feature, the mayor’s State of the City address and some exciting
changes coming to the July Fourth celebration downtown.
As in all communities, businesses are an important component of ours because they create
sales tax revenues that contribute to our overall city budget while providing much-needed
services for our community. In that spirit, we encourage you, our readers, to support our
valuable Spectrum advertisers by using their services when you are out shopping, dining or
enjoying yourself in our community with friends and family. Many of them have special offers
for you to cut out and present, including discounts on services, food and beverages, so please
take the time to look over their ads this month and use their coupons and discounts.
We have been updating our website daily, so if you are looking for up-to-the-minute
information about our community, visit us online at www.spectrummagazine.net.
Happy Valentine’s Day to The Spectrum’s special someones — our readers! Without you we
would not have been able to become Redwood City’s most-read publication.
Insurance Tips:
Risk Retention and
Reduction for Low Auto
Insurance – 24
Senior Activities – 24
A Minute With Cupid – 26
Steve Penna
Owner and Publisher
penna@spectrummagazine.net
Anne Callery
Copy Editor
writers@spectrummagazine.net
Dale McKee
Julie McCoy
Contributing Writers
writers@spectrummagazine.net
James Massey
Graphic Designer
007massey@gmail.com
James R. Kaspar
Cover/Cover Story Photography
staff@spectrummagazine.net
Contact Information:
Phone 650-368-2434
www.spectrummagazine.net
The Spectrum 3

Inside The Spectrum: Cover Story Photo Shoot
Spectrum publisher Steve Penna arranged this month’s cover
photo shoot after contacting cover subjects Joe and Kathleen
“Kay” Lavoie. Penna thought it would be a great idea to start
the shoot at Redwood City Florist at 440 Woodside Road, across the
street from where the Lavoies live at Woodside Terrace. The windows
there are always decorated so nicely for special events and it proved
a great backdrop to capture the Valentine’s Day spirit.
Penna arrived first and was quickly joined by the Lavoies. Cover
subject photographer James Kaspar arrived shortly after. All greeted
each other and shared a few laughs about finding love. They started
shooting images in front of one of the displays featured in the shop
that had heart-shaped images and “kisses.” The employees of the
shop joined in and the shoot took about 20 minutes there. The couple
were given a red rose from the shop, and Penna then led them to
Woodside Terrace to capture a few images of the facility.
Once at the independent and assisted living facility, the Lavoies
said their goodbyes (they were to leave the next day on a 10-day
cruise) and Penna and Kaspar were greeted by Alan Brauner, the
sales and marketing director.
The trio walked around the facility and viewed the various areas. As
they walked, Kaspar captured images that would show our readers
the environment that serves as home to so many seniors in our community.
The entire shoot took about one hour.
The Spectrum salutes businesses like Woodside Terrace for
providing a nurturing and caring environment for seniors in our
community. We also salute those seniors for living life to the fullest
and, yes, even finding love in their golden years. Happy Valentine’s
Day, Redwood City!
1952 2012
Painting, moving, gardening
or construction needs?
Hire a Reliable Worker
through the
Pete’s Harbor
Celebrating Our 60th Anniversary
Thank you for supporting us through the years.
We urge you to contribute and support local
non-profit organizations that do outstanding
work in our community.
A non profit organization
Call: (650) 339-2794
Or go to: www.mionline.org
All wages go directly to workers
Donate Your Vehicle
650-363-2423
Berths & Dry Storage
One Uccelli Boulevard, Redwood City, CA 94063 • 650-366-0922
Proceeds support Kainos Home & Training Center
Providing quality residential, vocational and support services to developmentally
disabled adults, enabling them to become active, contributing members of the
community.
Maximum Tax Deductions – We handle paperwork
www.SpectrumMagazine.net

RCSD Corner: News From the Redwood City School District
SNorth Star Academy Earns Nomination for National Blue Ribbon Schools Program
tate Superintendent of Public Instruction students. Not only do our students study hard but they
Tom Torlakson has selected North Star also enjoy choice in many of their assignments — a
Academy, a third- through eighth-grade time in their day to pursue unusual and different
School of Choice in the Redwood City topics in a flexible learning environment.”
School District, to be one of just 35 schools in To be eligible for the Blue Ribbon nomination,
California to be nominated for the prestigious schools must meet or exceed the 85th percentile
2012 National Blue Ribbon Schools Program. The on statewide tests or number among the top 10
program recognizes schools exhibiting student percent of schools serving a socio-economically
achievement at the highest levels or that have disadvantaged student body showing consistent
made exemplary progress toward bridging the improvement over the past five years. “These
achievement gap.
schools all share a deep commitment to the
North Star serves 540 third- through eighthgrade
students and was designated a California Torlakson in a statement. “We’ve recognized
education and well-being of their students,” said
Distinguished School in 2010. Its curricula and them on the state level, and now I hope their
enrichment offerings are designed to meet the outstanding work and remarkable progress will be
unique needs of students identified as gifted and further spotlighted nationally.”
high achieving through specific instructional Contingent upon its students meeting all
strategies. In the 2010–11 school year, the school prescribed targets on the 2012 statewide standardized
earned an API (Academic Performance Index) tests, and also meeting or exceeding its target
score of 992 (out of a possible 1,000), making it overall API, North Star will be eligible to receive
the highest-performing school in San Mateo County. the coveted distinction in September of this year.
“[North Star’s] students and teachers work hard “We are thrilled that North Star has been recognized
to ensure that the needs of our students are being by Superintendent Torlakson and are so proud of
met with challenging, thoughtful and purposeful everything our students and staff have accomplished
curriculum,” said North Star Principal Wendy through hard work and collaboration,” said
Kelly. “Achieving 992 was a true testament to the Superintendent Jan Christensen.
hard work, dedication and determination of our
Woodside Terrace
A.M. Kiwanis
CRAB CIOPPINO
2012
****************************
****************************
Saturday, March 10th...
6 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Tickets: $45 Adult
$22.50 Child 6 to 12
Raffle Prizes, Silent
Auction
No Host Bar
NEW LOCATION !!!
I.F.E.S. Portuguese Society Hall
432 Stierlin Rd., Mountain View
plenty of parking!!
TO ORDER TICKETS:
Tickets are sold on a First Come First Served basis, limited to available seats. Unpaid
ticket orders cannot be honored. Sorry, no refunds for purchased tickets. Call Larry at
650-380-6990 or complete the form below and mail to: BILL MORRIS, 1771 Woodside Rd
Redwood City, CA 94061 or Larry Graves, 1735 East Bayshore Rd., #32A, Redwood City,
CA 94063. PLEASE BE SURE TO INCLUDE YOUR CHECK OR MONEY ORDER payable
to : Woodside Terrace A.M. Kiwanis Foundation.
************************cut here****************************
Name______________________________________Phone______________
Address/City/Zip ________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
Please send _________tickets for a total of $________(payment enclosed
The Spectrum 5

As I Was
Saying… Publisher
| Steve Penna
Let’s get you caught up on a few issues I have
been writing about for a while. First, the issue of
the “option two” choice on the downtown parking
meters. You may remember the City of Redwood
City took away that option because they said users
were confused by having so many options (there
were only two). Option two has now been restored.
Option two makes it more convenient for
seniors, teens and those using cash to add time
and also use existing time left on the meter from
previous users (which I appreciate so much).
This is great news and will eliminate some of the
frustration many people have with the meters, and
this definitely makes them more user-friendly.
Hopefully those who have been discouraged by
not having that option and have started shopping
elsewhere out of that frustration will return and
enjoy downtown again.
Kudos to city officials for listening to us.
.…
Second, a few years back I started writing about
the Fourth of July activities (parade, festival,
carnival and fireworks) and the organization
that sponsors them, the Peninsula Celebration
Association (PCA). There was great concern
when the parade route was changed during the
construction of the cinema complex and then not
moved back once it was complete.
The concern was because the new route went
around the downtown area and, in parts, even out
of the area on Veterans Boulevard. The festival
and carnival were also moved, relocated to the
east side of Middlefield Road backing up to
Veterans Boulevard and around County Center.
This did not sit well with residents, the City of
Redwood City and businesses alike because
activities like this bring visitors to the downtown
area and foster commerce for all.
Well, after much debate, Councilwomen
Rosanne Foust and Barbara Pierce along with
City Manager Bob Bell were instrumental in
working with and creating communication with
members of the PCA that has resulted in big
changes for this year. You are hearing it here first.
The parade will be moved back to the original
route, which starts on Arguello Street, goes west
on Middlefield Road, east on Main Street and
Marshall Street and ends on Warren Street. The
festival (arts and crafts, etc.) will run completely
down Broadway from Main Street to Winslow
Street. Courthouse Square will be full of
activities too. The city is working with member
of the Kiwanis Club of Redwood City to move
the carnival to where it was before, which was
in the parking lot on Middlefield Road, backing
up to the railway. The complete map of all
activities can be viewed on our website at www.
www.SpectrumMagazine.net
spectrummagazine.net.
All this is great news for our business
community. Main Street has gone though some
tremendous positive changes, and new businesses
there and all over downtown have been working
hard to bring customers into their respective retail
shops and restaurants. The route being changed
back to travel down there will be a huge boost to
revenues and exposure. Which is exactly what
special events like the Fourth of July activities are
supposed to do.
Moving the route back makes it literally
encompass all of the downtown area. No
activities, however, are planned for the 2600
block of Broadway, but, with the exception of
one year, they never have been. That block and
the restaurants there do very well on the Fourth
and they attract a more local crowd. Remember,
there are estimates of up to 100,000 visitors to
our community on that day. City Pub celebrates
its anniversary on the Fourth, so many stop by to
enjoy the food and discounted beverages.
Now, are you sitting down? The annual
fireworks display will most definitely be coming
back after a two-year absence. An unofficial
group of residents and business owners is working
with the city to raise the money needed (there is a
plan to start outreach to businesses and residents
alike to contribute) and is also working on the
logistics to make sure our city shines once again
and provides the spectacular show that is enjoyed
by our community and so many surrounding
communities. It may not — and I use the word
“may” strongly — be the big show we are used to,
but it should be something similar to the fireworks
seen during Hometown Holidays in December.
It is really up to us all to step up and contribute
to make the fireworks return.
This is all great news and is an opportunity
for our community to rally around the PCA and
help them to make this the biggest Independence
Day celebration our community has ever seen.
The group has been organizing this event for our
community since 1939, and I am sure they need
volunteers for something. We have to step up
and help. I have done so on many occasions and
have participated in activities from setting up
trash receptacles to being a parade announcer. I
have also participated in, and even ridden in, the
parade. I plan on doing so again this year. Please
join me.
There are plenty of individuals and groups
in our community that can step up and offer to
help. If you are interested in volunteering or
contributing, contact the PCA at 650-365-1825,
463 Brewster Ave. # 4, Redwood City, CA 94063-
1724. They also have a website: www.parade.org.
Come on, Redwood City! Our Fourth of July
activities are the envy of all other communities,
and this year we will all work harder to make it
so once again. What better way to celebrate our
independence than by helping and then enjoying
our community with family and friends.
.…
These two changes come on the heels of Mayor
Alicia Aguirre taking the helm. Whether or not
this is a coincidence, it looks good for her. She
plans to do things a bit differently and concentrate
partly on more human-interest issues. These types
of results fall within her plan.
One change Aguirre has already made is in
regard to the State of the City address. The annual
event, which informs our community of where we
are on all fronts and where we are going, is held
with sponsorship from the Redwood City–San
Mateo County Chamber of Commerce. Many feel
that although the chamber is a good outlet for the
event, one should not have to pay a fee to attend.
The chamber charges a fee to cover the cost of the
facility rental and a light breakfast for attendees.
It is also filmed and can be seen on the city’s
website and local Comcast cable channel 27.
This year the chamber event was held on
Friday, Jan. 20, at the Oracle Business Center. But
before that, Aguirre decided to give the address
at the Veterans Memorial Senior Center, inviting
residents to attend without having to pay to do so.
Great idea! It must be noted that, as mayor a few
years back, Foust held a similar event at the senior
center, but it was after the chamber event. This
definitely is a welcomed change for our residents.
In her speech this year, Aguirre was optimistic
about our city’s future regardless of the
elimination of redevelopment funds on Feb. 1
($7.8 million in Redwood City). She pointed to
projects in the works like the projects at 640
Veterans Blvd. (264-unit apartment complex on
the old Dodge dealership site), 240 Marshall St.
(116 units) and Depot Circle (the 2.3-acre area
consisting of the 2-acre “Block 2” bordered by
Jefferson, Middlefield and the Caltrain tracks, and
the 0.3-acre Winslow parking lot).
She also talked about building partnerships,
collaborations, contracting out for services,
all the usual political rhetoric. An interesting
potential cost-saving collaboration in the works
she mentioned is talks with the Sequoia YMCA
to build a new facility that could be used by
that organization and the citizens of Redwood
City. The Red Morton Center is in dire need of
renovations, and this potential partnership could
be very helpful as funds will be hard to come by in
the next few years.
(continues on page 25)

Get ‘Sauced’ at La Victoria
By Julie McCoy, contributing writer
T
he secret is in the sauce at La Victoria. The
authentic Mexican taqueria in Redwood
City serves its food with a secret orange
sauce that gives customers’ taste buds a treat and has
them coming back for more. The special sauce is
made using a recipe created by Marcelino Barrita
that has been in the Barrita family for about 15
years. “It’s creamy, spicy,” said manager Teresa
Barrita. “It’s tasty. They [customers] like that it goes
with everything they eat.” The sauce is always
served on the side, not on the food itself. “People
have gotten hooked on it,” said Teresa Barrita’s
son, Fidel Barrita, who also works at the taqueria.
While the exact ingredients in the sauce are
kept top secret, it is organic and doesn’t contain
any dairy products, lard, MSG or peanuts, Fidel
Barrita said. Customers can buy the sauce in a
bottle and take it home.
The sauce is so popular that it is world famous,
according to Fidel Barrita. He said it is shipped
not only to Southern California and the East
Coast, but also to Europe and the Middle East.
Competitors have tried to mimic the sauce but
haven’t succeeded, he said. “We have a saying,”
he said. “Always imitated, never duplicated. We
have people trying to imitate the sauce but they
never get it right.”
A plethora of options for those
who love Mexican food
Bright and cheery with an orange and yellow
interior to match the orange sauce, La Victoria, at
847 Main St., sells burritos, chile relleno burritos,
breakfast burritos, tacos, quesadillas, nachos,
enchiladas, tostadas, flautas (rolled taquitos filled with
chicken or beef, topped with salsa, guacamole,
sour cream and lettuce on the side), tortas (French
rolls with your choice of meat as well as mayo,
beans, lettuce, tomato and avocado) and nachos.
“We’re very careful in our recipes every day,”
Teresa Barrita said. “It’s fresh cooked.”
The most popular sellers are the super burritos,
super tacos and super quesadillas, she said. There
are plenty of items on the menu for vegetarians,
including veggie burritos, veggie tacos, cheese
quesadillas and chile rellenos. The nachos can be
ordered without meat as well.
Everything can be custom-made, so if you don’t
want sour cream or beans, for example, with your
meal, no problem; La Victoria will make your
meal without it.
La Victoria’s prices are reasonable and suitable
to anyone on a budget. Most items are in the $2 to
$6 range. The most expensive items — the flautas,
Owner Teresa Barrita pours that special sauce.
chile rellenos and plates (which include your choice
of meat, beans and rice on the side with your
choice of corn or flour tortillas) — are just $9.25.
Family friendly
La Victoria is a family-friendly restaurant. Kids
are welcome at any time. “We get a lot of families
with kids,” Teresa Barrita said. “A lot of people
bring their kids. No problem.” Kids can get a
burrito for just $3.75.
Customer service the top priority
Customers come first at La Victoria, Teresa
Barrita said. She said the restaurant tries not to
have any customers waiting. “Everybody is in a
hurry, especially at lunch,” she said, noting that
between 11 a.m. and 2 or 3 p.m. is the busiest time
of day.
Loyal customer base
La Victoria has a lot of loyal customers, many
of whom come three to four times per week and
often order the same thing, Teresa Barrita said.
Redwood City resident Melissa Tinsley, who
eats at La Victoria about three times a month, gets
(continues on page 12)
The Spectrum 7

Community Interest
Fun After Fifty Club Installs New Officers
to classes that will help in those areas.
Students will be learning medical terminology, math needed for dosages
and, if needed, writing development.
With limited space, the program expanded to start with 38 people on Tuesday,
Jan. 17. Students will take between 14.5 units to 18.5 units per semester as a
group depending on their skill level. “It’s not easy; it’s accelerated. [These
students] can all succeed if they put the time in,” Hayes said.
Hayes is optimistic the program can be duplicated starting this fall if the
funding continues. Given the need and interest, a database was created of
those who were interested.
This isn’t the first time the college has offered free training. More than a
year ago, English and accounting courses were offered in Menlo Park. Last
year, thanks to a different grant, Cañada offered home energy retrofitting
training. Despite the budget challenges, Hayes noted more and more people
need job retraining. Hayes and her staff are always looking for new ways to
meet those needs. To learn more about the program visit canadacollege.net/caa.
The Redwood City Fun After Fifty Club installed their newly elected officers
at their first meeting of 2012. The swearing-in ceremony was officiated by
Bruce Utecht, manager of the Veterans Memorial Senior Center.
Marilyn Centoni continues as president. David Desideri stepped up to vice
president, with Dolores Siegfried as second vice president. Money managers
Chito DeLeon and Rudy Grana remain executive treasurer and treasurer,
respectively. The secretarial pool of Fran Benedetto, (membership), Margaret
Powers (correspondence) and Dolores Weigand (recording) remains intact.
Newly elected trustees Sandi Williams and Stanley Butler join trustees
Maureen Grover (immediate past president), Karl Girardi (past president) and
Gloria Stent to fill out the team.
Dennis Berglund and his 11-member dance band will continue to entertain
the center with music of the ’40s and ’50s from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. on the last
Friday of the month. Jack Hickey will continue to serve the club in an appointed
role as public relations chair. The club-sponsored Fun After Fifty Bowling
League continues at Bel Mateo Bowl after the Mel’s Bowl shutdown.
Fun After Fifty congregates each Tuesday in the VMSC Sunset Room at 10
a.m., with meetings beginning at 11 a.m. in the theater. This is followed by
lunch and bingo. The club has two websites: the rwcfaf.com/wp interactive
site created by Marilyn Centoni with the assistance of her son Scott and the
original rwcfaf.com created by Hickey. These will eventually be combined
into rwcfaf.org.
Cañada College Offers Free Job Training
Those hoping to train in a new field are faced with numerous challenges —
rising unit fees, book cost and limited space in classes.
Cañada College in Redwood City recently launched a free medical administrative
assistant certificate program. Originally limited to 30 students, the grantfunded
program will run over two semesters. The program is totally free to
those accepted, and students will leave prepared for the testing required to
apply for jobs in the growing field. “I think it’s just a wonderful opportunity,”
Linda Hayes, dean of Cañada’s Workforce Division, said.
The program covers tuition fees, textbooks and material fees. It provides
students the training to get started in a front office position and possibly start
earning a livable wage. Once a person is employed, he or she can return and
cover the costs — thanks to the new salary or financial aid — for back office
training, said Hayes. “You can keep developing those skills to climb the
ladder,” said Hayes.
Jeri Eznekier, who is coordinating the program, explained interest has been
high. About 200 people inquired about the program and 85 applied, she said.
“So many people need retraining,” said Eznekier.
Getting a medical assistant position isn’t as simple as applying. Eznekier
explained many offices require a number of tests to be completed before a
candidate will be considered. Through the program, students will have access
The Redwood City–San Mateo County Chamber of
Commerce Announces Award Recipients — Golden
Apples and 2011 Business Woman of the Year
In recognition of the contribution of business to education, the Port of Redwood
City and Honey Bear Trees will receive the Redwood City–San Mateo
County Chamber of Commerce’s Golden Apple Awards this year for their
commitment to local education. The Golden Apples will be awarded at the
chamber’s annual dinner and awards recognition banquet at the Hotel Sofitel.
The Golden Apple recognizes businesses that strive to make a difference in
city schools. Nominated by Jo-Ann Sockolov, the president of the Redwood
City Education Foundation, the Port of Redwood City is being recognized
not only for being a lead sponsor of the RCEF’s premiere fundraising event
“Benefit for a Brighter Future,” but also because with their support the
RCEF was able to expand the “Music for Learning” program to reach 4,000
students. The port also sponsors regular visits by historic tall ships, which
offer educational tours and programs on their vessels to local school children.
The port has a history of supporting the schools for more than 25 years. The
port’s annual “Port Poster Contest” is conducted as an opportunity for Redwood
City elementary school children to compete for prizes while learning about their
hometown port. The winning school also receives a generous donation from the port.
In making the nomination Sockolov said, “We are proud to partner with the
Port of Redwood City. Its commissioners and staff are stalwart advocates of
our students and schools and they have chosen to make a solid investment in
our children’s and our community’s future.”
Also receiving a Golden Apple is Honey Bear Trees, whose nomination by
Jane Taylor, chair, Local Business Program of the Redwood City Education
Foundation, recognizes them for their enthusiastic support of Redwood City
schools. Honey Bear Trees has a school fundraising program. They donate 15
percent of the sales of Christmas trees to a particular school or educational
foundation when a customer mentions it when purchasing their tree. Taylor
said, “I think what I find significant is that Honey Bear Trees started their
fundraising effort in 2007, and they continued to expand the program as the
downturn in the economy started and when many small businesses were
eliminating any charitable giving that they were doing.”
The chamber’s Golden Apple Award was started 16 years ago by its Education
Committee to recognize what business does for the educational community.
Golden Apple Award recipients the Port of Redwood City and Honey Bear
Trees both exemplify a commitment to education and demonstrate what great
partnerships with the business community can accomplish.
The chamber’s Business Woman of the Year Award for 2011, co-sponsored
by United American Bank in Redwood City, was presented to Nori Jabba,
director of community affairs for DMB Associates.
Jabba obtained her master’s in urban and regional planning from George
Washington University in 1991 and then began working for Pacific Gas and
Electric Company. At PG&E she traveled throughout the state studying and
forecasting land use and development patterns and later managed real estate
transactions and strategic planning for the northern half of PG&E’s service territory.
(continues on page 17)
www.SpectrumMagazine.net

Cultural Events
The Main Gallery
1018 Main St., Redwood City
650-701-1018
www.themaingallery.org
The Main Gallery, an artists’ cooperative with
23 members, showcases the work of some of the
best local talent in the Bay Area. The gallery is
located in the historic yellow Victorian cottage at
the corner of Main and Middlefield. The gallery is
open Wednesday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
and weekends from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Pixie Couch, “Wall Angel,” ceramic raku fired porcelain, 2012
Susan Wolf, “Butterfly Teapot,” stoneware, 2012
Mainly Clay
The Main Gallery is excited to announce its
annual Mainly Clay show, which opens Feb.
15 and runs through March 18. This year the
gallery’s ceramic artists have come together to
bring you an exciting new body of work. The
gallery will host a reception with the artists on
Saturday, Feb. 18, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Here is a small sampling of what you will find
from the gallery’s three-dimensional artists for
the Mainly Clay show:
“For amusement I have been playing with animals
in utilitarian ware and in wall pieces. Some have
taken the form of cake testers and others appear
on platters. Birds populate wall pieces. All aim to
delight,” states Doris Fischer-Colbrie. In addition,
Fischer-Colbrie’s constant exploration of surface
treatment of vase forms continues.
By pressing clay bits onto cardboard boxes
she uses for molds, Pixie Couch says she makes
“boxes from boxes.” After making two of the
same box, the pieces are joined together to make
a closed box form. A hole in the top and feet are
added and — voilà — they become small vases,
making wonderfully unique gifts.
Couch is also continuing her wall angel series,
stretching out clay for wings, and incorporating
the human face into the pieces. Couch exclaims,
“I have a new lovely white matte glaze that I’m
using for my functional bowls, cups and plates. It
gives the brushwork decoration a soft, pastel quality.”
Although Susan Wolf doesn’t think of it as a
theme, most of the work she presents for this show
has to do with butterflies. The Rain Forest Exhibit
at the Academy of Sciences in San Francisco
inspired Wolf and she knew she needed to do
something with butterflies. Wolf goes on to say
that when she makes butterflies out of clay, “they
are far more earthbound than I had hoped, but
then, clay is about as far away from butterfly
wings as one can get. I’m getting some of the
colors that I want, and at the moment I am trying
to finish a set of teapots with butterflies that, I am
hoping, will convey some of the lightness!”
Fox Theatre and Club Fox
2209 Broadway, downtown Redwood City
Tickets available at www.clubfoxrwc.
com, 650-369-7770 or tickets.foxrwc.com
Fox Theatre
• Colbie Caillat. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4.
• Tony Orlando. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18.
• Nickelodeon’s Dora the Explorer Live! Dora’s
Pirate Adventure. 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 24
• Nickelodeon’s Dora the Explorer Live! Dora’s
• Pirate Adventure. 11 a.m. & 2 p.m. Saturday,
Feb. 25.
• An Afternoon of Bridal Planning. 11 a.m.
Sunday, Feb. 26.
• Fly Fishing Film Tour. 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28.
Club Fox
• Paula Harris & Blu Gruv (Club Fox Blues Jam).
7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 8.
Salsa, Bachata, Merengue and Cha Cha Cha. 9
p.m. Friday, Feb. 10.
Tempest with Ol’ Cheeky Bastards. 8 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 11.
Silly Sunday with Sal Calanni and Kirk
McHenry hosted by Al Gonzales. 8 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 12.
Nancy Gilliland “Incurably Romantic”
Valentine’s Day Concert. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday,
Feb. 14.
Cold Feat (Club Fox Blues Jam). 7 p.m.
Wednesday, Feb. 15.
Fred Eaglesmith. 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17.
Purple Haze (Jimmy Hendrix cover) and Kevin
Russell’s Cream of Clapton. 8 p.m. Saturday,
Feb. 18.
Junior Watson (Club Fox Blues Jam). 7 p.m.
Wednesday, Feb. 22.
Arab Comedy by the Bay. 8:30 p.m. Thursday,
Feb. 23.
Journey Unauthorized. 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 24.
Kim Baker & Heather Combs with Garrin
Benfield. 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25.
Lara Price Blues Revue (Club Fox Blues Jam). 7
p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 29
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
San Mateo County
History Museum
2200 Broadway St., Redwood City
650-299-0141
www.historysmc.org
Tuesday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
$5 for adults, $3 for seniors and students,
free for children 5 and under
The History Museum is housed inside the historic
1910 County Courthouse. Over 50,000 people
visit the museum each year, and the number of
local residents who hold memberships is growing.
The History Museum teaches approximately
14,000 children each year through the on- and offsite
programs. The museum houses the research library
and archives that currently hold over 100,000
photographs, prints, books and documents collected
by the San Mateo County Historical Association.
New Exhibit at History Museum
Honoring Steve Jobs
The San Mateo County History Museum is proud
to announce a new addition to our permanent
exhibit San Mateo County History Makers:
Entrepreneurs Who Changed the World.
The new exhibit features an original 1988
NeXT computer and will discuss NeXT Inc., the
company local Woodside resident Steve Jobs
founded in Redwood City after leaving Apple in
1985. Tim Berners-Lee used NeXT technology to
create the World Wide Web and, according to Jobs’ 2005
Stanford commencement speech, “the technology
… developed at NeXT is at the heart of Apple’s
current renaissance.” Also on view are books,
brochures and an original NeXT decal given away
free with the purchase of the computer.
(continues on page 13)
The Spectrum 11

Get ‘Sauced’ at La Victoria (continued from page 7)
While they’re at the taqueria, “we’re workers,” he
said. “At home, we’re family.”
Heart in San Jose
La Victoria started in San Jose in 1998 and
today has three locations in that city at 140 E.
San Carlos St., 131 W. Santa Clara St. and 5015
Almaden Expressway.
The first San Jose location, on E. San Carlos
Street, which is near San Jose State University,
attracted students and became so popular that the
decision was made to open two more locations
in San Jose, Teresa Barrita explained. The three
San Jose locations are run by Marcelino Barrita,
who is Teresa Barrita’s husband’s brother (and her
brother-in-law).
From jewelry to Mexican food
Prior to opening La Victoria, the Barritas used
to run a jewelry store, Three BBB, which opened
in Redwood City in 1983. With their last name
beginning with B, they played with that in
choosing the name of the store. After the jewelry
store closed, they decided to open La Victoria,
which has now been in Redwood City for about
two and a half years.
Teresa Barrita was born in Mexico and came
to the U.S. when she was just 4 years old with her
parents. Her husband, Fidel Barrita, is originally
from Mexico as well.
The Barritas love running their taqueria in
Redwood City and always welcome new and repeat
customers. So why not head on down to Main
“It’s tasty. They [customers] like that
it goes with everything they eat.”
The Barritas’ son Fidel helps out every day in this
family-owned business.
a burrito, nachos or a quesadilla when she comes,
she said. She likes that the food is authentic. “It’s
not Americanized,” she said. “I just like their food.”
Catering for companies,
individuals
La Victoria does catering. Businesses rely on La
Victoria to provide Mexican food for meetings
and parties, or simply to bring in lunch for
employees as a token of appreciation for their
work. Individuals contact La Victoria to cater for
parties as well. The catering service is “open to
the public,” Fidel Barrita said. “It doesn’t really
matter.” Teresa Barrita estimates that catering is
about 20 percent of La Victoria’s business.
A family affair
It’s truly a family affair at La Victoria. Teresa
Barrita and her husband, Fidel, run the taqueria,
along with sons Fidel Barrita, 27, and Ezequiel
“Kiki” Barrita, 25. Fidel and Ezequiel “Kiki”
Barrita help at the front with customers and take
their orders. Fidel Barrita also helps train new
employees. The Barritas’ other son, Humberto
Barrita, 14, comes to the taqueria as well but
doesn’t work because he is not old enough.
Fidel Barrita said it isn’t difficult to separate the
family relationship from the business relationship.
La Victoria’s Redwood City location serves the
same food and has the same décor as the three
San Jose locations. “We want people to know that
we’re from San Jose and it’s the same one,” Teresa
Barrita said.
A lot of people know La Victoria is in San Jose,
but they don’t know it’s in Redwood City, Teresa
Barrita said. The Redwood City business is “not
stable like San Jose, but we think it’s going to get better.”
The Redwood City location is using Groupon
to generate more business. Teresa Barrita said
she’d like to see more events in Redwood City
because when there are more events, it draws
more customers.
Street and enjoy some great authentic Mexican
food? You’ll be doing your part to help a local,
family-owned and operated business that has become a
South Bay icon and is the only Mexican restaurant
that serves its world-famous orange sauce. “We
want people in the community to come in and
give us a try,” Teresa Barrita said. “They will see
that we are different from other taquerias.”
La Victoria
847 Main St.
Redwood City, CA 94063
650-366-1070
www.lavicsredwoodcity.com
Monday through Saturday 9 a.m.–10 p.m.,
Sunday 9 a.m.–8 p.m.
www.SpectrumMagazine.net

Cultural Events (Continued from page 11)
New Exhibit at History Museum
Playing Grown-Up: Toys From the Harry P. Costa Collection
Feb. 14 – Dec. 31
The San Mateo County History Museum is opening a unique exhibit, Playing
Grown-Up: Toys From the Harry P. Costa Collection. Playing Grown-Up will
explore those toys from the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s that allowed children to
mimic the activities of adults. Objects highlighted will include an antique
pedal-car fire truck and airplane, Tonka work trucks, a fully electric 1929
Lionel stove and oven, a G-men fingerprint set, a “Miss Friday” mechanical
doll and a working Lionel train, just to name a few. Objects will be displayed
with a backdrop of images that represent the real activities of adults that
children were mimicking through play.
St. Pius Young People’s Theater Presents
‘Annie: The Musical’
1100 Woodside Road, Redwood City
Showtimes are Friday, Feb. 17, at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 18, at 7:30 p.m.
and Sunday, Feb. 19, at 1 p.m.
General admission is $6 for adults and $4 for seniors, students and children at the
door. Reserved seating is $10 for adults and $8 for seniors, students and children.
Student performers include Alex Watson Tremellen as Annie, Caitlin
Bohaboy as Grace and Jackson Barrett as Warbucks. Karen Elmore has been
running the Young People’s Theater for over 30 years at St Pius.
For any questions regarding tickets or showtimes, please call Karen at 650-207-7682.
Society of Western Artists
2625 Broadway, Redwood City
The Society of Western Artists will be presenting a watercolor demonstration
by award winning artist Myrna Wacknov on Feb. 18 at 1 p.m.
Wacknov is originally from Kansas City, Mo., and has attended
Washington University in St. Louis, Kansas City Art Institute, College of San
Mateo and San Francisco State University. She has also studied with many
famous artists, including Frank Szaz, and is an extremely accomplished
portrait artist with many awards and exhibitions to her credit. Her
demonstration will be on how to texture a surface in various ways with gesso
and then paint with watercolor paint.
Visit the SWA headquarters gallery at 2625 Broadway, Redwood City. The
gallery is in the first block off El Camino; see www.societyofwesternartists.
com for directions. The gallery is open Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.
to 3 p.m. For additional information, please contact Judith Puccini at 650-
737-6084.
The Spectrum 13

‘Music of Our Times’
and Finding Love at Woodside Terrace
By Julie McCoy, contributing writer
Love is in the air at Woodside Terrace.
Kathleen “Kay” Knauf-Lavoie and Joe
Lavoie both moved into the Redwood City
retirement community a couple of years
ago. They met one another in the dining room
and soon discovered they had a lot of common
interests. For example, both love to travel and to
dance. They began to take dance classes together.
It wasn’t long before they fell in love, and last
August, they got married. Two weeks afterward,
they held a reception at Woodside Terrace to
which all residents were invited. This Valentine’s
Day will no doubt be special for the newlyweds
as they celebrate their first Valentine’s Day as a
married couple.
It’s not every day that two people find true
love and tie the knot while living in a retirement
community. Knauf-Lavoie and Lavoie’s relationship
is evidence that love can come at any age, at any
time and in unlikely places. “It’s been very nice,”
Knauf-Lavoie said. “We hadn’t been expecting
this.” Added Lavoie, “It surprised the both of us.”
This is the second marriage for both Knauf-
Lavoie, 82, and Lavoie, who turns 92 in March.
Knauf-Lavoie had been married for 48 years when
her husband died, and Lavoie had been married
“60 years and one week” when his wife died.
Based on their previous long-lasting marriages,
this one should go well, too.
Knauf-Lavoie came to Woodside Terrace after
living alone in a big house in Bakersfield for a
number of years. She was tired of being lonely,
she explained. Additionally, she was tired of the
heat and poor air quality in Bakersfield, she said.
Knauf-Lavoie, who has a son in Redwood City,
decided to sell her home and come to Woodside
Terrace. “When the opportunity came, I moved
fast,” she said. “My house sold fast.” Lavoie, on
the other hand, was living with his daughter in
Modesto and simply wanted to be independent.
“I just wanted to be on my own,” he said. He had
previously lived in San Bruno for 55 years and
San Carlos for three years.
Independent and assisted living
So what’s it like at the retirement community that
Knauf-Lavoie, Lavoie and many other seniors call
home? Situated between highways 101 and 280
and just minutes away from Redwood City’s civic
center and shopping and restaurants, Woodside
Terrace, at 485 Woodside Road, provides both
independent and assisted living to seniors, according
to Connie Haworth, executive director protem.
Of the four buildings on campus, three provide
independent living and one provides assisted
living. Those in independent living live primarily
on their own but receive help with such things as
housekeeping and maintenance-related issues in
their apartments. “They don’t even have to change
a light bulb,” Haworth said.
Meanwhile, those in assisted living are dealing
with chronic health conditions. Some have

emphysema while others are diabetic or have
heart problems such as congestive heart failure,
Haworth said. They often are put into assisted
living because they are not eating well or need
help taking their medication. They receive
assistance with such things as bathing, getting
dressed and taking medicine. There are 24-hour
nurses on staff in the assisted living building.
One big difference between independent living
and assisted living is that those in independent
living often come by choice, of their own free
will, and they often want to give up the trouble of
having their own house, whereas those in assisted
living are often there because their families believe
it is best for them and it provides their families
with peace of mind, Haworth pointed out.
Woodside Terrace has the capacity to house
180 seniors in independent living and 88 seniors
in assisted living and is currently at 97 percent
capacity, according to Haworth.
Most residents at Woodside Terrace are in
their 80s, with the average age being 85. Many
residents are in their 90s and there are even some
who are 100 and older.
Enriching seniors’ lives
Woodside Terrace’s mission statement is:
“Enriching the lives of those we serve with
compassion, respect, excellence and integrity.” It
has been in Redwood City for 24 years and has
always been in its current location, according to
Haworth.
Operated by one of the largest
providers of senior housing
The community is operated by Brentwood, Tenn.–
based Brookdale Senior Living, a for-profit, publicly
traded company that is one of the biggest providers
of senior housing, according to Haworth. She
pointed out that Woodside has access to a lot of
resources because it is owned by Brookdale.
Innovative Senior Care program
Woodside implements Brookdale’s Innovative
Senior Care program, a proactive wellness and
therapy service that helps residents retain or
enhance their independence. ISC is designed
to improve certain physical conditions before
they can become problematic. By increasing
a resident’s strengths now, the impact of
future complications can be limited or avoided
entirely. ISC professionals are able to provide
rehabilitation care, education and wellness
programs, physical and occupational therapy, and
a host of support services. Each resident receives
a regular assessment and a “Personal Pathway to
Better Health.”
Optimum Life philosophy
Additionally, Woodside Terrace follows
Brookdale’s Optimum Life philosophy, which
emphasizes residents living well through six
dimensions. Those six dimensions involve making
sure their lives are purposeful and taking care
of their emotional, physical, social, spiritual and
intellectual needs.
A wealth of amenities,
activities for residents
There is a plethora of amenities and activities
for residents to enjoy at Woodside Terrace. The
community has a heated indoor pool in which
they can do water exercises. “A lot of them go to
the pool exercise class,” Haworth said. “That’s
socialization plus exercise.” There also is a whirlpool.
In January, Woodside Terrace began offering
residents the opportunity to participate in tai
chi after hearing from them it was something
they would like to do. There also are libraries
on campus with hardback and paperback books.
Other activities include bingo, crossword puzzles,
movies, chair yoga, Wii games, writers groups,
dance lessons and Spanish classes. Additionally,
residents can do volunteer work and use the
Internet, Haworth said, noting that Internet usage
among the elderly is higher than you would think.
“They email the grandkids,” she said.
Woodside has a large bus, a van and a town car
that can take residents off campus, so there are all kinds
of ways for them to get around, whether it’s to see
a movie, go shopping or eat at a local restaurant.
Food taken seriously
Food is taken very seriously at Woodside Terrace,
Haworth stressed. There is an executive chef on staff
and seniors receive healthy entrees as an option.
“The dining experience is important to seniors,”
Haworth said. “It’s something they do three times a
day.” Woodside Terrace takes a “fresh approach”
to food and uses very few canned goods, Haworth
said. There are separate dining areas for those in
independent living and those in assisted living.
Staff well-trained
The 120 people on staff at Woodside Terrace
receive extensive training that covers the community’s
and Brookdale’s mission and vision. They also
receive one to two weeks of on-the-job training,
depending on the department in which they are
working. The most important qualities for staff
are attitude and willingness to learn, Haworth
stressed, noting that it is more important than
the amount of experience someone has working
with seniors. “You can train them to work with
seniors,” she said. “You can’t train them to care.”
Seniors give $50,000 to hourly staff
At the end of every year, seniors at Woodside
Terrace pool money together and give it to the
hourly staff as a holiday bonus, Haworth said. At
the end of 2011, seniors gave a total of $50,000
to hourly staff and personally presented each of
them with checks. Each staff member received
an average of nearly $495, Haworth said. “There
were a lot of staff members in tears when they got
those checks,” Haworth said. “They felt like they
were being thanked.”
(continues on next page)
“We hadn’t been expecting this.”
Added Lavoie, “It surprised the
both of us.”
The Spectrum 15

OUR
BRANCH
San Mateo Credit Union’s On Broadway branch has it all.
From Auto Loans to Credit Cards, we can answer your
questions and find you a better product to help
your budget.
OUR
830 Jefferson Avenue, Redwood City
(650) 363-1725 | www.smcu.org
MORTGAGE
CENTER
San Mateo Credit Union has a special Mortgage Center,
staffed by our mortgage experts.
Come in and ask a question about your current mortgage.
We love those! We want to give you the best loan with the
most reasonable payments.
619 Bradford Street, Redwood City
(650) 363-1799 | www.smcu.org
‘Music of Our Times’ and Finding Love at Woodside Terrace
(continued from previous page)
A different theme each year
Every year there is a theme at Woodside Terrace.
This year the theme is “music of our times.”
Each month, a different genre of music will be
highlighted. January, for example, showcased bigband
music, which flourished in the 1930s as the United
States recovered from the Great Depression.
What’s in store
This year should be “a great year” for Woodside
Terrace, Haworth stressed, noting that it will focus
on continuing to provide great service and great
training for staff. Who knows, maybe there will be
more stories of people finding love at Woodside
Terrace this year or in the years to come.
Woodside Terrace
485 Woodside Road
Redwood City, CA 94061
650-366-3900
How to find an independent living and/or assisted living facility
Choosing an independent and/or assisted living community is a very big
decision and an important step for seniors and their families.
If you are in the process of trying to find such a community, what’s the best
way to find one? What are some things you should do and consider?
It’s a good idea to visit the community at different times of the day, for
example, at morning and at night, said Connie Haworth, executive director
protem at Woodside Terrace in Redwood City.
During your visit, take note of whether residents seem to be happy. Are
they playing cards with one another and in general do they seem to be
enjoying life?
Also, are staff friendly, smiling and talking to residents?
It’s important to trust your instincts when you visit, Haworth said. Go with
what your heart and mind are telling you. If you visit and feel like it would be
a good fit, it probably will be. And if you don’t feel like it’s going to work for
whatever reason, it’s a good idea to continue looking.
You should always read the contract carefully before you sign it, Haworth
stressed. It is important to make sure you understand everything for which
you are going to be charged.
www.SpectrumMagazine.net

Community Interest (Continued from page 10)
Jabba came to DMB in 2006. In her role as director of community affairs
she is responsible for all local sponsorships and contributions as they
demonstrate DMB’s commitment to the community and the improvement of
the local quality of life. Jabba has a thorough understanding of the local and
regional community as well as the planning and development business. She
listens to and communicates with community members and industry experts
to help make Redwood City a great place to live.
A member of the Redwood City–San Mateo County Chamber of
Commerce, Jabba has been co-chair of the Ambassadors and in 2008 was
named Ambassador of the Year. She serves on the Kainos Benefit Golf
Tournament committee, sits on three other committees and is a stalwart
worker on the Annual March Madness membership drive. Jabba’s hand
reaches far into the community, being involved in Rotary, the Police
Activities League, the Historic Resources Advisory Committee for the City
of Redwood City and the Girl Scouts of America. She lives in Redwood City
with her husband and three daughters.
Jabba will receive $1,000 from United American Bank, to be donated to a local
charity of her choice. United American Bank continues to make an impact as
a great partner in the business community in helping to not only recognize deserving
woman, but this year to again help a local charity meet their financial goals.
Advertise with The Spectrum
Call Us Today 650.368.2434
California Department of Real Estate 01009536
The Spectrum 17

Check out our Best of the Best selections below. Shouldn’t you
make the commitment to shopping locally for Valentine’s Day
and every day? When you are out shopping, dining or enjoying
some entertainment, everyone benefits because your sales tax
dollars stay local and help us all. These businesses not only
provide excellent service but also contribute to our community.
The history of Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love and lovers
The roots of Valentine’s Day go back to ancient
times, when people paid honor to the Roman god of
fertility. This was known as the Feast of Lupercalia
and was celebrated even then on Feb. 14.
The traditions of Valentine’s Day are broad and
many. It is a time to exchange cards or small gifts.
Chocolates and jewelry are the big hits of this
holiday, as are romantic dinners.
It is a romantic event for lovers and a fun event for
kids and family. Many a couple become engaged
or wed on this day. For others it is a day to fall in love.
Did you know?
While 75 percent of chocolate purchases are made
by women all year long, during the days and
minutes before Valentine’s Day, 75 percent of the
chocolate purchases are made by men. Over $1 billion
of chocolate is purchased for Valentine’s Day.
Sakura Teppanyaki and Sushi – 2198 Broadway
– A special Valentine’s Day restaurant that will
have your special someone clapping their hands!
The tables are intimate, the chefs and staff are
very warm toward lovers, and the meals are
plentiful and flavorful. “Five stars for great
service, food and prices. Well worth it! If you
haven’t been there yet, go!”
The Sandwich Spot – 2420 Broadway – With
a motto promising to change your life “one
sandwich at a time” and a menu and atmosphere
that has already made it a popular spot in
downtown Redwood City, the Sandwich Spot will
have you wondering where this place has been all
your life, and why you have not taken your special
someone there before to celebrate in a casual and
fun atmosphere. On Valentine’s Day they will
offer selected $1 beers with your sandwich if you
tell them The Spectrum said so.
to your hot Valentine’s Day date — according to
the Car Care Council. This Valentine’s Day, treat
your car to regular care. Redwood General Tire
was founded on the principles of good customer
service and quality products at fair prices. Many
satisfied customers have been with them since
their founding. Whether you are looking for a new
set of tires or need repair work on your vehicle,
this Redwood City institution has been providing
quality vehicle services since 1957.
Saint Valentine’s Day Massacre
During the Roaring ’20s, criminal activity was
high in many parts of the U.S. Alcohol was
banned, spawning the rise of bootlegging and
mob activity. Chicago experienced more than its
share of mobs and gangsters. On Valentine’s Day
in 1929, four gangsters dressed up as policemen
massacred seven members of a rival gang.
Did you know?
Feb. 14 was formerly thought to be the first day of the
mating season for birds. This sparked the custom
of sweethearts sending valentines to each other.
Dining out:
Canyon Inn – 587 Canyon Road – Tim Harrison
and the staff at Canyon Inn will make a casual
night a special night for you and your special
someone. They serve everything from their
famous hamburgers to pizzas, all kinds of
sandwiches and pastas, and South-of-the-Border
specialties while various sports play on the big,
flat-screen TVs. Why cook to show your Valentine
they are special when you don’t have to?
Little India – 917 Main St. – “There are good
restaurants. There are bad restaurants. There are
OK restaurants. Then there are those places, the
magic ones that all Valentines want to come to.
You and your special someone will be so happy
because the food doesn’t just taste good and
satisfy hunger, but helps heal the heart and soul.
What more could you want on Valentine’s Day?”
www.SpectrumMagazine.net
Practical gifts:
Davies Appliance – 1580 El Camino Real – Show
some love to your kitchen this Valentine’s Day
with new appliances! With the increasing trend of
retro kitchens, red appliances are becoming more
and more popular. Everything from refrigerators
to grills are now available in hot red hues, and we
suggest you snatch them up now! Give them as
gifts to the ones you love this Valentine’s Day, or
treat yourself to one of these fun appliances —
you deserve it! Davies carries only appliances;
you don’t have to worry about anything else. The
focus is appliances and service.
Every Woman Health Club – 611 Jefferson Ave.
– While a heart-shaped box of chocolates is a
perfectly appropriate indulgence for Valentine’s
Day, why not take the opportunity to also
indulge your body by getting active? Every
Woman Health Club is a women-only, bodypositive
fitness center in downtown Redwood
City. Services include classes, weight and cardio
equipment, personal training, therapeutic massage
and skin care. Flexible pricing and gift certificates
are available for your special someone! Call 650-
364-9194 to get her started.
Redwood General Tire – 1630 Broadway – Your
car doesn’t want flowers or balloons or even
candy this Valentine’s Day — it just wants a
little love in the form of an oil change, tune-up,
tires and basic service. There’s no debating the
value of preventive maintenance to keep your car
running well — not to mention getting you safely
Jewelry:
St. Regal Jewelers – 850 Main St. – Other than
love, nothing is more precious than jewelry for
women. Few things in life carry as much meaning
as jewelry. Jewelry speaks when we can’t find
the words, and the reaction is often priceless. So
stop by this Redwood City gem to view some
favorite Valentine and heart-shaped jewelry and
create your own special memories. Whether you
are looking for men’s or women’s quality jewelry,
shopping local does not get better than this.

Flowers:
Redwood City Florist – 440 Woodside Road –
There is no better feeling than showing your love
on a memorable holiday like the most romantic
one: Valentine’s Day. Redwood City Florist is here
to help you make the day spectacular for the one
you love, Valentine’s Day and any holiday. Send
flowers from this Redwood City favorite to make
your love’s holiday that much more special. You
can rest assured they’ll be fresh from the fields
and will arrive at their destination at whatever
time you specify, no questions asked.
heart would flutter with pride to see how loyal
the company’s following remains. Your special
someone will be drooling.
SweetCakes – 810 Bradford St. – Everyone
will love to receive fresh, spectacular-tasting,
frosting-topped cupcakes this Valentine’s Day!
SweetCakes bakes throughout the day with fresh
local ingredients. The old-fashioned recipes
used are updated to today’s tastes for a truly
transcending cupcake experience. Valentine’s
Day flavors include red velvet, chocolate vanilla,
carrot, gingersnap, mocha, strawberry and lemon
buttercream. Call in your order early (650-238-
5577) to make sure they don’t run out. Your
special someone will love this special treat.
Sweets for your sweetie:
See’s Candies – 1027 El Camino Real – Hearts
abound this time of year, especially at See’s
Candies. At the shop in Sequoia Station, chocolate
lovers of all kinds stop by for reasons as varied
as the assortment behind the glass cases. They
come to pick out gifts, try a free sample or satisfy
a craving for a favorite treat, like the company’s
seasonal, limited-time-only strawberry truffle.
This heart-shaped treat, made of berry-flavored
pink buttercream enrobed in white chocolate, was
introduced last year and brought back by popular
demand. No doubt founder Mary See’s own
The Spectrum 19

Upsize your
LIFE
A choice of floor plans,
elegant dining with
chef-prepared meals,
recreation, clubs and
social activities.
Great retirement living means upsizing
your life without downsizing your lifestyle.
That’s what you’ll find right here. All the
comforts of single-family living without the
hassles of home maintenance. You’ll enjoy
great food, great neighbors and great times
everything you may want today or need
tomorrow to enjoy an Optimum Life ® .
Call now to schedule your personal tour
and ask about our move-in specials!
Independent Living
Personalized Assisted Living
Exceptional Experiences
Every Day sm
485 Woodside Rd.
Redwood City, CA 94061
(650) 366-3900
www.brookdaleliving.com
Exceptional Experiences Every Day is a Service Mark of Brookdale Senior Living Inc., Nashville, TN, USA ® Reg. U.S. Patent and TM Office 00835-RES01-0310
www.SpectrumMagazine.net

Never late for the Theatre
when you eat at Little India.
All You Can Eat Lunch
Mon - Fri 11am - 2pm
Regular $9.95 Vegetarian $7.95
All You Can Eat Dinner
Mon - Sat 5 - 9pm
Regular $12.95 Vegetarian $10.95
Little India
Restaurant
917 Main St., Redwood City
650-361-8737 • www.littleindiacuisine.com
10 % off
with your Parking
Valadation!
• Catering
• In-House Parties
Available
• Takeout

Advertise with The Spectrum
Call Us Today 650.368.2434

Insurance Tips: Risk Retention and Reduction for Low Auto Insurance
By Hector Flamenco, Special to The Spectrum
Everyone knows one of the most dramatic ways to lower your car insurance
rate is to eliminate coverage. Some do this by dropping liability limits while
others drop collision and comprehensive coverage on older vehicles. When
you do this, you are assuming more risk and creating less risk for the insurer.
If your car is worth less than $2,500, why insure it with collision and
comprehensive? The extra cost to insure it will probably surpass the value of
the car within a year or so.
The truth about deductibles is that having a higher deductible will lower
your premium. Do you really want to pay up to $1,000 to get your car
repaired or replaced? For many people, $1,000 isn’t all that easy to come
by. A common deductible — and a better choice for most drivers with
comprehensive and collision — is $500. The deductible is the amount paid by
you for each incident.
In summary, anytime you put the risk on yourself, you’ll pay less in
premiums. Risk retention is accomplished by selecting lower limits of
coverage and higher deductibles.
Reducing risk is the second-best way to lower your auto insurance rates.
According to insurance companies, your risk is reduced when you buy the
sedan versus the sports car, when you drive less than 7,500 miles each year
and when you keep your driving history clean of tickets and car accidents.
The final way to make sure you are getting lower auto insurance rates is by
comparing the wide variety of plans available. Some insurance companies are
built to save more for senior citizens while others are set up to save more for
newer drivers. It’s really tough to tell which company will offer the best rate
since each company rates so many factors — differently.
There is a chance that if you own your own home, you will be seen as a
more responsible individual. Or perhaps the insurance company will offer
you a lower rate in hopes of also selling you homeowners insurance either
now or down the road. There are many ways we show our responsibility. Of
course, maintaining a clean driving record is one of the best ways to maintain
a low auto insurance rate.
Editor’s note: Please note that this article is for general information only and is not a
professional consultation. Always seek specific information from a licensed insurance
professional. Hector Flamenco is an agent with State Farm Insurance. Visit his website at
www.flamencoinsurance.com.
Let your opinion be heard!
Send your letters to letters@spectrummagazine.net or
Opinions & Letters, The Spectrum Magazine, P.O. Box
862, Redwood City, CA 94064
Letters to the editor should be no longer than 300 words.
Columns should be no longer than 750 words. Illegibly written
and anonymous letters will not be accepted. Please include a
daytime phone number where we can reach you.
Senior Activities
The following activities are open to the public during the month of February
at the Veterans Memorial Senior Center, 1455 Madison Ave., Redwood City.
Please note: The center will be closed Monday, Feb. 20, to celebrate
Presidents Day.
Friday Movies for Everyone
Every Friday, 1:15 p.m. (unless otherwise announced)
Come to the Veterans Memorial Senior Center for a free feature movie in our
state-of-the-art movie theater!
Feb. 3: “Money Ball”
Feb. 10: “Ides of March”
Feb. 17: “Rise of the Planet of the Apes”
Feb. 24: “Real Steel”
AARP Tax Assistance
Wednesdays, Feb. 2 through April 11
By appointment only
Call to make your AARP tax assistance appointment at 650-489-6023. Leave
your name and phone number and an AARP volunteer will return your call
to make the appointment.
Valentine’s Day Luncheon
Tuesday, Feb. 14, noon
Redwood Room
$7
Come join the fun! We will have a special Valentine’s Day menu. Call 650-
780-7259 to make your reservation now.
3rd Annual Hot Rod Bunko
Saturday, Feb. 25, 4:30–9 p.m.
$50 per person
This fun-filled event benefits our Redwood City Special Needs Program
and is hosted by Golden Gate Street Machines Unlimited and Chuck and
Anne Camilleri. The event includes Bunko, dinner and door prizes. Kick
back and spend the evening with great people having a great time for a great
cause. The event will be held at 975 Industrial Road, Suite A, San Carlos. For
further information, contact Chuck or Anne at acamil1462@sbcglobal.net or
call 650-568-0565.
SAVE THE DATE
AARP Driver Safety Renewal Class
Saturday, March 17, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Wellness Center, Room 20
$12 AARP members, $14 nonmembers
This is a renewal class. You must have taken the full two-day class within
the past three years. You may be able to receive a discount on your insurance
after completing the class. To enroll in the class, call 650-780-7270, leave
your name and number and you will be contacted to confirm your enrollment.
To learn more about the Veterans Memorial Senior Center, call 650-780-
7270. Redwood City Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department
provides recreational facilities and activities for all ages and interests, and
supplies building and custodial services for city buildings. Redwood City
Parks also operates the Veterans Memorial Senior Center and the Fair Oaks
Community Center, providing social, educational and cultural activities, as
well as information, referral and counseling services to persons living in
Redwood City and neighboring communities. Redwood City Parks is more
than you think! Its website is located at www.redwoodcity.org/parks.
www.SpectrumMagazine.net

As I Was Saying… (Continued from p6)
I was surprised, and have been surprised, that Aguirre and Vice Mayor
Jeff Gee did not have or give a stronger stance on the issue of high-speed
rail. Both are taking a wait-and-see approach to the issue, as is the council.
I guess it is their prerogative to not take a side, but it would be nice to hear
someone state that a high-speed
Corrin
station is
Rankin
not something we want or need in
our community. Just saying.
.…
In regard 6
368-2660
to redevelopment funds, or now the lack thereof, many in our
community are concerned about the activities on Courthouse Square,
including 5the Friday night concerts, movie nights and special activities. They
are provided by those funds, and one would think that since the money is
going away,
0
so will they. Well, not entirely correct.
There is a group of concerned city staff, business owners and residents
who want the activities to continue. Those people have attended a downtown
events “stakeholders” workshop to “discuss the sustainability of Downtown
Events, define a 234 future vision, Marshall and insure partnership Street inclusion.” #100The
workshop was organized by the Redwood City Parks, Recreation and
Community Services Redwood department, headed City, by CA Chris 94063
Beth, and facilitated by a
member of the Peninsula Conflict Resolution Center.
With the theme of “Redwood City Core Purpose: Build a Great Community
Together,” the workshop focused on how to keep downtown events
sustainable, Se Habla what partnerships Españolshould be explored, CA Insurance how events Lic. complement #1842835
businesses, and event offerings for 2012.
Results of the workshop will be announced next month, as will a
preliminary list of activities starting in June 2012 and going through
September.
Is it just me, or are you feeling optimistic too?
As I was saying…
.…
6
5
0
368-2660
Corrin Rankin
234 Marshall Street #100 • Redwood City, CA 94063
Se Habla Español CA Insurance Lic. #1842835
Proudly serving
Redwood City
and surrounding
communities
A cleaner, greener
environment ...
one stop at a time!
(650) 595-3900
Visit RecologySanMateoCounty.com
RSMC_RWC_AD.indd 1
6/24/2011 11:11:52 AM
The Spectrum 25

A Minute With: Cupid
Cupid has always played a role in celebrations of love and lovers. He is known as a mischievous,
winged child whose arrows would pierce the hearts of his victims, causing them to fall deeply
in love. In ancient Greece he was known as Eros, the young son of Aphrodite, the goddess of
love and beauty. To the Romans he was Cupid, and his mother Venus.
One legend tells the story of Cupid and the mortal maiden Psyche. Venus was jealous of the
beauty of Psyche and ordered Cupid to punish the mortal. But instead, Cupid fell deeply in
love with her. He took her as his wife, but as a mortal she was forbidden to look at him.
Psyche was happy until her sisters convinced her to look at Cupid. Cupid punished her by
departing. Their lovely castle and gardens vanished with him, and Psyche found herself alone
in an open field.
As she wandered to find her love, she came upon the temple of Venus. Wishing to destroy
her, the goddess of love gave Psyche a series of tasks, each harder and more dangerous than
the last. For her last task Psyche was given a little box and told to take it to the underworld.
She was told to get some of the beauty of Proserpine, the wife of Pluto, and put it in the box.
During her trip she was given tips on avoiding the dangers of the realm of the dead, and she
was also warned not to open the box. Temptation overcame Psyche and she opened the box.
But instead of finding beauty, she found deadly slumber.
Cupid found her lifeless on the ground. He gathered the sleep from her body and put it back
in the box. Cupid forgave her, as did Venus. The gods, moved by Psyche’s love for Cupid,
made her a goddess.
Cupid’s hobbies include archery, matchmaking and flying.
What are you looking for on Valentine’s Day?
Single people in need of love.
Looking forward to?
Some rest.
Redwood City is?
Very passionate.
Something few know about you?
In paintings and sculptures I am often portrayed in
the nude.
What phrase do you most overuse?
Are you in love?
Last movie you saw?
“Love Story.”
What is your motto?
There is someone for everyone.
Memorable moment?
Introducing Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor.
Three times, actually.
What is a dream you have or something you’d
like to accomplish in your life?
To prove to Kim Kardashian that you have to be
honest to find love.
Favorite quote?
If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be
a hundred minus one day so I never have to live
without you.
What would life be like if you had wings?
I do. Haven’t you seen me?
At this time next year you will be?
Playing matchmaker once again.
Donate Your Vehicle
650-363-2423
Proceeds support Kainos Home & Training Center
Providing quality residential, vocational and support services to developmentally
disabled adults, enabling them to become active, contributing members of the
community.
Maximum Tax Deductions – We handle paperwork
www.SpectrumMagazine.net

Gift cards available NOW!
Dora The Explorer
and her friends are coming to the Fox Theatre
February 24th 7pm
February 25th 11am & 2pm
Tickets On
Sale Now
www.foxrwc.com
650-FOX-7770
Fox Supporting Sponsors

Alpio Barbara and
the team at
Redwood General
Tire are involved
in our community
and urge all to be.